Cold can’t stop the call of ‘Play Ball’

Bundled up in jackets and hooded sweatshirts, players from the Valley Stream Little League gathered at Firemen’s Field last Saturday morning for the season’s opening ceremonies. It felt more like an opening day for football season rather than baseball season, with temperatures in the 40s and an overcast sky.

But the ceremony went on as planned — still an improvement over last year’s rainout — to begin the league’s 53rd season. This year, there are about 350 boys and girls on 31 teams. Each team will play 17 games.

“I’m looking for a good season, no injuries, and everyone having a lot of fun,” said Steve Dignam, the league’s president.

Dignam took time to thank all of the coaches for their time, as well as all the league sponsors. Their donations help pay for uniforms and equipment.

BiCal Chevrolet of Valley Stream was on hand to promote a raffle for a new 2011 Chevy Cruze. Sales managers Anthony Gallo and Moses Quiroz presented a check to sponsor a team this year.

Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare and Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray threw out the ceremonial first baseball pitch and softball pitch, respectively, of the 2011 season. And John LaBarbera, a member of the league’s Board of Directors, simply exclaimed, “Play Ball!”

After the ceremony, some teams hit the back diamonds at Firemen’s Field for the first games of the season. Pete Taliercio, who has coached his two sons in the Valley Stream Little League over the course of nine seasons, had his players fielding grounders, playing catch and doing some running drills. About this upcoming season, Taliercio said he is looking forward to teaching the kids to become better baseball players. “I just hope they all get better,” he said.

Every team had a game scheduled last Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m., but some games were affected by afternoon rain. Games will be played through mid-June and the season wraps up with Trophy Day on June 18.